Airshow goes on

By Nate Delesline III

Published: July 15, 2008

About $16,000 in anticipated donations will keep Culpeper County’s annual AirFest aloft this year.

Culpeper Regional Airport Manager Tanya Woodward told the Airport Advisory Committee Tuesday that the donations, which came from private companies and individuals, should be enough to produce the show, which is scheduled for Oct. 11.

The all-day event is free and open to the public.

From a financial perspective, “We’ve pretty much met what we need,” Woodward said.

Last year, an estimated 2,000 people attended AirFest.

Earlier this year, committee members and county officials feared they might be forced to cancel the show because of a county budget shortfall and financial pressures wrought by difficult economic conditions. But that has changed.

“Right now, it’s looking great,” committee Chairman Bill Flathers said. “I think the sponsors and the other people in the community came through with donations.”

Woodward said performers will include air show regulars like the Bealeton Flying Circus and Dr. Smoke as well as demonstrations of several vintage war-time aircraft.

A formal announcement on the show’s lineup is expected next month, said Woodward, who expressed appreciation for many of the performers. Many have offered to do their shows for sharply reduced rates or asked only to be reimbursed for their fuel.

n RUNWAY PROJECT: The committee on Tuesday also discussed a $55,000 pavement rehabilitation project set to begin next month.

The project will extend the life of 25-year-old sections of asphalt near the older T-hangars. About $10,000 will come from the county, with the rest funded by the Virginia Department of Aviation. The project is meant to prevent further cracking or damage.

Rehabilitating pavement on the airport’s 5,000-foot runway will not be part of the August project. Woodward described that asphalt as being about four years old and in good condition.

NEW TERMINAL: The committee also heard a presentation from designers and engineers regarding a proposed new terminal. Committee members agreed in April to continue with design work using money already set aside for the project. The new building would supplement the airport’s existing 39-year-old terminal.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or